Cost-Reduction Strategy for Weapon System Acquisition

摘要

A proposal is presented for a cost-reduction strategy (CRS) that establishes aframework for systematically identifying, evaluating, and applying the various acquisition initiatives that are intended to lower weapon system costs. The CRS consists of a taxonomy of specific acquisition initiatives, their proposed timing by acquisition phase, suggested incentives, and the recommended process for implementation. This framework was primarily developed for the Strategic Defense Initiative Organization as a point of departure for tailoring a strategy to its individual acquisition programs. The CRS evolved, in part, from the initial Could Cost concept that was introduced in late 1987. This study examines each of the five model programs used by the Services to demonstrate and access the Could Cost concept. The report includes a summary of the model program approaches, the results achieved, and the major lessons learned, which serve as the foundation for development of the CRS.